THE LONG DUEL (1967) * If you think the title is unimaginative just languish on the production. British and Indians (from India) drama played against a backdrop, literally and obviously, of Himalayas and mountain passes and grass that doesn't blow in the wind. Ken Annakin couldn't find any real grass to shoot in California? (Producer: "I'm sorry Ken, I've had to axe the $2 million budget request to take the crew to Delhi to film grass." Ken: "That's ok, I'll just shoot a still, but with the cameras rolling.") Also very fake rain, various people doing assundry things while looking at what's obviously a screen with different gauge film rolling on it, strange cuts that somehow alter the film speed, a particularly awkward native dancer, a female biochemist trying to be passed off as an object of lust-they're still trying to develop her character during the closing scenes, a pregnant woman with cleavage about to explode thereby possibly creating an alternative birth canal, Indians who don't plan in advance, an extra who actually gets stepped on on the ass by a real horse, and British officers who don't share information with each to any extent topped off with a schmaltzy glitz anti-war song after hours of dull shooting scenes. The primary attraction would have been Yul Brynner's bald head but it's covered up with a turban the entire time. At least he doesn't wear a sweater, tie and turban ensemble like the British guy.
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